Ann Wagner: “I come before you today to thank my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee--in particular, Chairman Mac…”

“I come before you today to thank my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee--in particular, Chairman Mac Thornberry and Ranking Member Adam Smith--for all the hard work they have put into crafting our country's national priorities for the upcoming year, way into the wee hours of the morning. Specifically, I want to thank them for responding to a critical Navy shortfall and a national security need by including the authorization for funding of 12 F/A-18 Super Hornets in the National Defense Authorization Act. The Super Hornet is truly the workhorse of naval combat operations against the Islamic State and is playing an important role in protecting our warfighters abroad. Twelve additional Super Hornets will help keep a critical production line open that will allow for additional strike fighter jets and electronic warfare attack in the future. However, our worked isn't finished. I look forward to supporting the NDAA when it comes to the House floor and fighting for Super Hornets to be included during the appropriations process. ____________________”